Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With savory sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this meal is sure to please the whole family. Let’s get started!
Ingredients List
For the Dish
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: Approximately 4-6 hours and 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
- Add Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini and spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine and cover again.
Step 5: Serve
- Top with Cheese: Once the tortellini is cooked (usually about 30 minutes), sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 20g |
Tips for Success
To ensure your Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding more or less depending on your preference.
- Check Tortellini: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but not mushy.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
What if I don’t have tortellini?
You can substitute with other pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary. Adjust accordingly.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Ingredients
- For the Dish
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
- Add Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini and spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine and cover again.
Step 5: Serve
- Top with Cheese: Once the tortellini is cooked (usually about 30 minutes), sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
